I am amazed to find....

[McDreamy]

.....it's gonna cost me £1,000 and 120-200 hours unpaid shifts to return to work .

Just looked up how to re register as a nurse after 7 years out of practice. Just surprised me!

Seven years is a long time, you didn't think they'd just say, pop in and get started did you?

do you have to do a refresher course McDreamy? Is there some sort of scheme where you could do voluntary A&E work to build up your hours again?

sorry, I dont really know any answer, but arent the NHS desperate for nurses?

Good grief, can you get a trust to sponsor you in return for promising to work for them afterwards? I have only returned after both Maternity leaves somewhat reluctantly so I could keep my registration but I didn't think it was that expensive

Do the RCN offer a return to practice course you could do?

My mum worked very part time as a RGN in a nursing home so she didn't have to do this. Bit late now, but crikey!

i am in the process of applying to Nottingham RTP. I was a RGN & RM Its £1200 for the nursing RTP, but the Midwifery one is paid for. although I spent most of my career in Nursing, I am actually applying for Midwifery one.

No I didn't indie37 and while I accept that I have to do some return to practice to bring me up to speed again I just think that £1,000 and 120 unpaid hours is a lot.

I nursed for for 14 years before I took a career break, I have a fair amount of experience to offer but tbh at the moment I think I'll stay at home.

Sorry but in the current situation I think its is a way in where the costs and time commitments are not unreasonable. I have had time out with my son.
I have spent over £5k of my own money on training to 'update', had the CV checked over by numerous professionals but no joy.
So sorry but £1k & four weeks unpaid work to restart a career looks like a bargain to me.

Sounds a bit harsh I know, but I still wish you luck

That is rather a lot of money to 'find' when you've been on maternity leave and of course the childcare costs on top whilst you are doing your 'free' hours. I hope you manage to get is all sorted though and it doesn't put you off returning to your career.